Because Paul was already cleansed spiritually, these words must refer to the symbolism of baptism.
Baptism is a picture of God’s inner work of washing away sin (cf. 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Peter 3:21).
No where does the Bible say baptism is a picture, symbolic nor do be done as an act of obedience.
The Bible does say Paul was told to arise and be baptized washing away his sins.
No amount of Greek gymnastics can twist it to say otherwise.